Roofing



V. TATRO May 13, 1941.

ROOFING 3 Sheets-Sheet l` Filed Feb. 19, 1940 INVENTOR.,

May 13, 941. v TA1-R0 2,242,094`

ROOFING I Filed Feb. 19, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

May 13, 1941. v TA1-Ro 2,242,094

RooFING Filed Feb. 19, 1940 s sheets-sheet s 1N VEN TOR. 'BY F0723@ JO,

4,.; ATTORNEY.

Patented May 13, 1.941

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ROOFING Vernon Tatro, Chicago, Ill. Application February 19, 1940, Serial No. 319,619

` (ci. 10s-7) 14 Claims.

The invention relates generally to roofing and more particularly to an individual shingle element and to the method of laying the same.

A general object of the'invention is to provide a shingle element of new and improved construction and shape.

A more particular object of the invention is to provide a shingle element of such proportions and dimensions that it may be laid in a variety of ways producing different patterns or designs on the roof with each manner of laying providing suilicient overlap to assure a leakproof construction.

Another object is to provide a single element having markers for aiding in positioning and alining the shingle elements in any one of the severall ways of laying the same.

A further object is to provide a shingle element of unique proportions, having allits edges whole multiples of a common unit oi length, facilitating manufacture and laying, and change in size of shingle while retaining the same ability and manner of laying to produce a variety of patterns.

Still another Objectis to provide a shingle element having a set oil` area in one corner which determines the overlap in the laying of the shingle and the spacing of the various markers.

l Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view of a shingle element embodying the features of the invention.

Fig. 2 is an elevational view similar to Fig. 1 but showing the element divided into units.

Fig. 3 is a view showing the manner in which the elements may be cut from a standard roll of roofing material.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary view of 'a roof showing one manner of laying theshingle elements resulting in offset large and small squares.

Fig. 5 is a view similar toFlg. 4, but showing another method of laying the elements resulting in large squares only. Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 4, but showing still another method of laying the elements resulting in a generally parallelogram design.

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 4 but showing the shingle elements laid in a still further manner resulting in a diamond pattern.

While the invention is susceptible of various modications and alternative methods of laying,

yit is here shown and will hereinafi r be described in a preferred embodiment and several ways of laying the same.- However, it is not intended that the invention is to be limited hereby to the specic disclosure shown. On the contrary, it is intended to cover vall modications and alternative methods of laying the shingle element falling within the spirit and scope of this invention as dei'lned in the appended claims.

As best seen in Figs. 1 and 2, each individual shingle element has a straight end edge I0 and straight side edges II and I2 parallel to one another and at right angles to the end edge I0. In the preferred embodiment here shown, these edges are whole multiples of a common unit of length. In the present instance, as best. seen in Fig. 2, the end edge I0 and the side edge II are composed of four such units of length, while the side edge I2` is composed of vesuch units of length, it being understood, of course, that the length of the unit may be varied and that the 'number of units of length in each edge can hev varied so long as certain proportions which will hereinafter become more apparent are maintained. I'he remaining end edge is irregular and is composed of end portions I3 and I4, each one vunit in length and parallel with the end edge I0,

and van intermediate diagonal portion I5. This diagonal portion does not extend strictly between the inner ends of the portions I3 and I4,

but is swung slightly further from the vertical so as to form adjacent the portion I4 a projecting point I6 which serves as a gauge mark, and an indentation I1 adjacent the portion I3 forming an additional gauge. mark. A gauge mark in the form of a small, triangular lobe I8 is formed in the side edge II, and a gauge mark in the form of a triangular notch I9 is formed in the side edge I2. I

Extending inwardly from the end edge III and parallel with the side edge I2 is a scoring. 2li which, with the aid of the edges Ill and I2, in-

dicates a square area which forms the basis for'V the spacing of the gauge marks I8`and I9, as well as the marks I6 and I1, and also predetermines the amount of overlap obtained in the laying of the shingle elements. An average extent of a suitable overlap is four inches and, accordingly, the scoring 20 has been made four inches long and thus the unit adopted in the present instance is four inches in length. As a result, the shingle element here shown is sixteen inches wide, and sixteen inches long at its edge I I, and twenty inches long at its edge I2. As has already .been stated, the portions I3 and Il of the irregular edge are each one unit in length and always maintain the same relationship to the predetermined area, regardless of the other dimensions of the shingle element. Similarly, the gauge marks I8 and I9 bear a denite relationship in their spacing from the irregular end edge to the dimensions of the predetermined area. In the case of the gauge mark I8, it is spaced from the irregular end edge a distance equivalent to one side of the predetermined area or one unit,

while in the case of the gauge mark I9 it is of roong without any loss whatsoever as is clearly shown in Fig. 3. The sum of the length of the sides II and I2 is equal to the width of the roll of roofing and thus two shingle elements may be out from a rectangular portion of the roll of roofing. When so cut, the portion which is removed from one shingle element to form the projecting point I6 on the other element forms the indentation I1 of the first element. Similarly, with the gauge marks I8 and I9 disposed directly opposite one another, the portion of the roong which is taken to form the lobe I8 is the same as that which would be cut from another shingle element to form the notch I9.' Consequently, there is no waste whatsoever in the formation of shingle elements from the roll of roofing.

A shingle element proportioned as herein described adapts itself to laying in a variety of ways so as to produce a variety of different patterns upon the roof. Moreover, the shingle elements are readily laid, for the various gauge marks aid in properly alining and spacing the shingle elements with the result that not only is the laying of the shingle elements eected more easily and quickly, but a truer alinement of the shingle elements is obtained. One such manner of laying the shingle elements resulting in staggered large and small squares is disclosed in Fig. 4. When laid in the manner shown in Fig. 4, the end edge I forms the lower edge of the shingle element. The shingle elements are laid from left to right in Fig. 4, and, of course, the first course of shingles is composed of a repeated series of shingle elements of successively greater length. More specifically, the first course is normally started with a shingle element SI which has been cut off along a line connecting the gauge marks I8 and I9. 'Ihe second shingle S2 is composed of a shingle element which has been out o one unit of length beyond the gauge marks I8 and I9, and is laid with its edge portion I3 coinciding with the edge portion yI4 of the shingle element SI and with its vertical side edge II alined with the marker I6 of the shingle element SI. Similarly, a shingle S3 cut off one unit of 'length inwardly from the ,end edge I0 is next placed over the shingle S2',

again with the end edge'portionV I3 of shingle S3 coinciding with the end edge portion I4 of the 'shingle S2, and the side edge II of 'shingle S3 in alinement with the gaugemark I8 of the shingle S2.- 'I'his process is' continued until `a full length shingle element is employed. In the present instance, inasmuch as the shingle element herein disclosed has a side edge II of four attacca.

units of length, the shingle S4 is such a shingle of full length and thus completes the series. As previously stated, the series is repeated starting .with a shingle element SI' similar to the shingle element SI. The proper positioning of the shingle element SI is readily obtained and the starting point of the second series is clearly indicated, for the side edge II of theA shingle SI coincides with the scoring 20 of the shingle S4.

After the iirst course has been laid, the second course is readily laid, for the various gauge marks not only clearly indicate the manner in which the shingle elements should be laid, but provide alining points against which the edges of the shingles either abut or with which they may be alined so as to assure uniformity in laying for obtaining an exact pattern and for maintaining the required and predetermined amount of overlap. Thus a shingle element S5 of the second course .is placed with its end edge I0 in alinement with the gauge mark I8 of the shingle element SI, and with its side edge I2 in alinement with the gauge mark I6 or, more particularly, in abutment with the side edge II of the shingle element S2. A shingle element S6 is then placed in overlapping relation to the shingle element S5 in the same manner as the shingle ele ment S2 of the rst course was placed in overlapping relation to the shingle SI of the rst course, which, of course, also means placing the shingle S6 in'the same relation to the shingle S2 as the shingle S5 assumes with respect to shingle SI. More particularly stated, shingle S8 is placed with its end edge I0 in alinement with the gauge mark I8 of shingle S2, its end edge portion I3 coinciding with the end edge portion I4 of the shingle S5, its side edge II in allnement with the scoring 20 and the gauge mark I6 of shingle S5, and its side edge I2 abutting the side edge II of the shingle S3. With four points or lines of alinement, there is thus little danger that the shingle element will not be properly placed and, of course, the speed at which it may be laid is greatly increased because the workmen can see at a glance whether or not the shingle element is in proper position.

Not only are the shingle elements readily laid in proper alinement, but they require a minimum of securing means to assure their proper attachment to the roof and to one another. When constructed and laid in the manner herein disclosed, each shingle element is secured by a nail 2| driven through the shingle element at its upper left hand corner, as viewed in Fig. 4. This nail will, of course, also pass through the shingle which is underneath, and thus is the equivalent of nailingrthe shingle at its upper right hand corner, as viewed in Fig. 4. 4A second and final nail 22 is driven through the triangular portion of the shingle element. 'I'he free, exposed corner of each shingle is secured by clipping in any conventional manner and preferably by a clip 23 whichkhas a hook portion which engages over the side edge I2 of the shingle element immediately below and has a prong 24 which pierces the exposed shingle element and then is1 bent over securely to hold the exposed corner of the shingle. Thus it will be apparent from the foregoing that but two nails are required to secure the shingle thus further reducing to a minimum the time required in the laying of the shingle.

As is most clearly apparent from that portion overlap, both vertical and horizontal, a sumcient overlap is substantially guaranteed automatically. Ifthe small square is to be at all noticeable from the street, the manufacturer must necessarily make the square of a size such that it will provide a suiiicient overlap to assure a properly constructed root. It is also to be noted that with this shingle construction and manner of laying the small square could be given a different color from the remainder of the shingle so as to emphasize the design or pattern of the resulting roong.

In Fig. there is disclosed another manner of laying the shingle elements which results in large squares only. In this manner of laying, the shingle elements are disposed in the same position in which they are shown in Figs. 1 and 2, that is, with the side edge I2 forming the bottom edge of the laid shingle elements. The shingle elements are again laid from left to right, as viewed in Fig. 5, but herein whole shingle elements are used even for the rst course. Thus. for the first courseof shingles a shingle element SI is laid with its side edge I2 parallel with the edge of the roof and is secured by a nail 25 driven through the shingle element slightly inwardly .and upwardly from the gauge mark I9. 'The next shingle element S2 is placed with its side edge I2 coinciding with the side edge I2 of the shingle element SI and with its end edge I0 coinciding with the gauge marks I8 and I9, so as to provide a` substantially vertical overlap, which at no point is less than one unit of length. The exposed corner of this shingle element is secured in any suitable manner as by la clip 2'6 of conventional construction. Remaining shingle elements composing the rst course are applied in similar manner. The shingle elements S5, S6, etc., forming the second course, overlap one another in the same manner as described for the shingle elements of the iirst course and also overlap the tops of the shingle elements of the first course to provide a horizontal overlap. Just as the gauge marks I8 and I9 provide an indication for the extent of vertical overlap, so the gauge mark I6 provides an indication for-the extent of horizontal overlap. More particularly, the

shingle element S5 of the second course is so placed that its end edge portion I4 coincides and, in fact, abuts the end edge III of the shingle ele-v ment S2, which in turn coincides with the gauge marks I8 and I9 of the shingle SI, and with the gauge mark I6 coinciding with the tops or side` edges II of the lower course of shingles. Thus by such actualabutment of portions of the shingle elements of the upper course with those of the lower course, they are readily placed in the proper position to produce the pattern desired without necessity of measuring or estimating on the part -of the workman. It is to b'e noted that when the nail 25 is driven through the shingle elements forming the second course', it also pierces the shingle elements forming the first course and thus secures the shingle elements to therooi in' two places, though but a single nail is driven in the laying of each shingle element.

Fig. 6 shows still another manner of laying the shingle element herein disclosed as resulting in a generally parallelogram pattern. In this manner of laying, the shingles are inverted from the showing in Figs. 1 and 2, that is they are so placed that the side edge I2 becomesgthe top edge and so that the irregular end edge is at the left as lviewed in Fig. 6. Moreover, in this manner of laying, the irregular end edge is exposed as distinguished from the portion of the shingle bearing the scoring 20. In this manner of laying the shingle elements, as in the manner disclosed in Fig. 5, even the iirst course is composed of whole shingle elements. Thus the shingle element SI is placed on the roof with its side edge II coinciding wtih the edge of the roof and is secured to the roof by a single nail 21 driven through the shingle element at its lower right hand corner, as viewed in Fig. 6. A second shingle element S2 is then placed on the roof with its edges II and I2 coinciding respectively with the corresponding edges of the shingle element SI, and with its gauge marks I8 and I9 coinciding with the end edge I0 of the shingle element SI. The exposed corner of the shingle element S2 is again secured by means of a suitable clip 28 of conventional construction. Successive shingle elements completing the rlrst tier are .position of the shingle element S5 with respect to the shingle element SI is determined and indicated by the gauge mark I8. In this instance, the marks I6 and I8 of shingle elements SI and S5, respectively, are made to coincide for a proper positioning of the shingle elements. It will be readily apparent, particularly from that portion of Fig. 6 in which the hidden edges of the various shingle elements are not indicated, that a staggered, generally parallelogram pattern results from this manner of laying the shingle elements.

Fig. '7 discloses still a further manner of laying the shingle elements, this time resulting in a diamond pattern. To that end, the shingle elements are placed at a diagonal,V as best seen from a consideration of shingle elements S5, S6, etc. forming the second course of shingles. The shingle elements SI S2, S3, etc. are of necessity trimmed on along a line extending from the gauge mark I9 to a point on the end edge I0 one unit inwardly from the side edge II, in order to provide a straight edge coinciding with the edge of the roof. The shingle element SI t of the rst course is, as stated, placed at a diagonal in such position that its gauge mark I9 coincides with the lower edge of the roof and so that the edge of the roof intersects the end edge Ill at a point one u nit inwardly from the side edge II. The next shingle element S2 of the rst course is then placed in a simliar position with respect to the edge of the roof and with its side edge I I overlapping the side edge I2 'of the shingle element SI.. The extent of overlap is indicated to the workman by the gaugeA mark I6 on the shingle element SI, for side edge abuts the gauge mark I6 of the shingle element SI and the portion of the sidge edge I which remains on the shingle coincides with the gauge marks I8 and I9 of the shingle element SI.

The shingle elements S5, S6, etc. forming the second course are laid with respect to one another the saine as the' shingle elements forming the first course and are laid with respect to the shingles of the first course so that the side edges I2 overlap the side edges II. More specifically, the shingle element S5, for example, is positioned with its end edge Iii coinciding with the portion of the end edge I0 of the shingle element SI which is retained, vwhile its side edge I2 is made to coincide with the gauge mark II to determine the exte/nt of overlap between the shingle elements SI and S5. The shingle elements are secured by a single nail 29 which is driven through the upper left hand corner of the shingle elements, as viewed in Figs. 1 and 2. In the case of the courses, except the rst course, this nail 29 pierces three shingle elements; the uppermost but still not nal shingle through the upper left hand corner, as stated; the intermediate shingle at a point upwardly and to the right of the gauge mank I9; and the lowermost shingle element through the upper right hand corner, as viewed in Figs. 1 and 2. Thus, by the use of a shingle nail so located, each shingle element is secured to the roof at three places. The exposed and remaining corner is then secured by means of a suitable clip 3D of conventional construction. As just described, the shingle elements have been applied from left to right, but it is believed readily apparent that in this manner of laying they could just as readily be laid from right to left. The resulting structure would be identically the same, the shingle elements would be secured in the same. manner, and the only difference would be in the gauge marks that would be employed to aline the shingle elements.

It is believed apparent from the foregoing description that I have perfected a shingle element of unique construction having many advantages over prior shingle elements. Outstanding is the fact that I have devised a shingle element, certain portions of which if maintained in certain proportions to one another serve as guiding means in the laying of the shingle elements and assure a -proper overlap, while permitting the other portions of the shingle element to be varied in size. My shingle element, moveover, may without modification in construction be laid in a variety of ways producing different patterns, and the laying of the shingle elements in each of such variety of ways is facilitated by various elements which serve as gauge marks indicating the proper positioning of the shingle elements. By the provision of gauge marks, not only is the laying of the shingle element facilitated, but serves to assure the laying of the shingle elements with the proper overlap because if improperly laid the gauge marks would indicate such improper laying and thus enable the proprietor of the build- -ing being roofed to check on the workman laying the roofing.

I claim as my invention:

l. A shingle element having a straight end edge, straight and parallel side edges at right angles to said end edge, one of said side edges being longer than the other, a score mark extending inwardly from said end edge parallel with the longer side edge and spaced therefrom a distance equal to the overlap desired in the laying of the shingle element, and an irregular end edge including a portion adjacent each side edge parallel with said first named end edge and of a length equal to thespacing of said score mark from the longer side edge.

2. A shingle element having a straight end edge, straight and parallel side edges at right angles to said end edge, one of said side edges being longer than the other, a score mark extending inwardly from said end edge parallel with the longer side edge and spaced therefrom a distance equal to the overlap desired in the laying of the shingle element, and an irregular end edge including a portion adjacent each side edge parallel with said first named end edge and of a length equal to the spacing of said score mark from the longer side edge, and gauge marks at the inner end of each said irregular end edge portion.

3. A shingle element having a straight end edge, straight and parallel side edges at right angles to said end edge, one of said side edges being longer than the other, a score mark extending inwardly from said end edge parallel with the longer side edge and spaced therefrom a distance equal to the overlap desired in the laying of the shingle element, an irregular end edge including a portion adjacent each side edge parallel with said first named end edge and of a length equal to the spacing of said score mark from the longer side edge, and a gauge mark on the shorter side edge spaced from said irregular end edge a distance equal to the spacing of said score mark from said longer side edge.

4. A shingle element having a straight end edge, straight and parallel side edges at right angles to said end edge, one of said side edges being longer than the other, a score mark extending inwardly from said end edge parallel with the longer side edge and spaced therefrom a distance equal to the overlap desired in the laying of the shingle element, an irregular end edge including a portion adjacent each side edge parallel with said first named end edge and of a length equal to the spacing of said score mark from the longer side edge, and a gauge mark on the longer side edge spaced from'said irregular end edge a distance equal to twice the spacing of said score mark from said longer side.

5. A shingle element having a straight end edge, straight and parallel side edges at right angles to said end edge, one of said side edges being longer than the other, a'score mark extending inwardly from said end edge parallel with the longer side edge and spaced therefrom a distance equal to the overlap desired in the laying of the shingle element, an irregular end edge including a portion adjacent each side edge parallel with said first named end edge and of a length equal to the spacing of said score mark from the longer side edge, a gauge mark on the shorter side edge spaced from said irregular end edge a distance equal to the spacing of said score mark from said longer side edge, and a gauge mark on the longer side edge spaced from said irregular end edge a distance equal to twice the spacing of said score mark from said longer side.

6. A shingle element having a straight end edge, straight and parallel side edges at right angles to said end edge. one of said side edges being longer than the other, a score mark extending inwardly from said end edge parallel with l the longer side edge and spaced therefrom a distance equal to the overlap desired in the laying of the shingle element, an irregular end edge vprising,

including a portion adjacentl each side edge parallel with said first named end edge and of a length equal to the spacing of said score mark from the longer side edge, a projecting lobe on the shorter side edge spaced from said irregular end edge a distance equal to the spacing of said score mark from said longer side edge, and a notch on the longer side edge spaced from said irregular end edge a distance equal' to twice lthe spacing of said score mark from said longer side.

7. A shingle element having a straight end edge, straight and parallel side edges at right angles to said end edge, a score mark extending inwardly from said end edge parallel with the side edges and spaced vfrom one of the side edges a distance equal to the overlap desired in the laying of the shingle element, said score mark being equal in length to its spacing from the adjacent side edge and the adjacent side edge being longer than the opposite side edge by an amount equal to its spacing Vfrom said score mark, an irregular end edge including a portion adjacent each side edge parallel with said first named end edge and of a length equal to the spacing of said score mark from the longer side edge, and an intermediate portion extending generally between the inner ends of said rst mentioned portions forming a notched gauge mark at one end and a projecting gauge mark at the opposite end, a gauge mark-on the shorter side edge spaced from said irregular end edge a distance equal to the length of said score mark, and a gauge mark in the longer side edge spaced fromV said irregular end edge a distance equal to twice the length of saidscore mark.

8. A shingle element having a straight end edge, straight and parallel side edges at right angles to said end edge, and an irregular end edge including a straight portion adjacent each side edge parallel with said rst named end edge and each of a length equal to the extent of overlap desired in the laying of a plurality of shingle elements, one of said side edges being longer than the other side edge by the length of one of said end edge portions.

9. Roofing of the character described comprising, in combination, a plurality of overlapping courses of shingle elements, each shingle element having a straight end edge, parallel side edges of unequal length, and an irregular end edge including straight end portions of equal length and parallel with said first named end edge, one such portion being adjacent each side edge, the elements of each course being laid with successive elements offset upwardly and with the shorter side edge overlapping the longer side edge of the preceding element predetermined distances determind by coincidence of the straight portion of the irregular end edge of the upper element with the straight portion of the irregular end edge of the lower element, the shingle element of each succeeding upper course being laid with its straight end edge overlapping the upper portion of the lower course shingle element to a minimum equal to thelength of one of the straight portions of the irregular end edge and with its longer side edge abutting and extending parallel with the shorter side edge of the adjacent shingle element o f the. lower course.

10. Roofing of the character described comin combination, a plurality of overlapping courses of shingle elements, each shingle element having a straightend edge, parallel side edges of unequal length, and an irregular end edge including straight end portions of equal length and parallel with said first named end edge, one such portion being adjacent each side edge, a score mark extending inwardly from said straight end edge parallel with the longer side edge and spaced therefrom a distance equal to the length of one of the straight portions of said irregular end edge, a gauge mark in the shorter side edge spaced from the end edge a distance equal to the spacing of said score mark fromA the longer side edge, the elements of each course being laid with successive elements oiset upwardly and with the shorter side edge overlapping the longer side edge of the preceding element predetermined distances determined by coincidence of the straight portion of the irregular end edge of the upper element with the straight portion ting and extending parallell with the shorter. side edge of the adjacent `shingle element of the lower course.

1l. Roong of the character described comprising, in combination, a plurality of overlapping courses of shingle elements, each shingle element having a straight end edge, parallel side edges of yunequal length, and an irregular end edge including a straight portion parallel with said first mentioned end edge and adjacent the longer side edge, said straight portion being oi a length equal to the desired amount of overlap in the laying of the shingle elements, a gauge mark on the shorter side edges spaced from the irregular end edge a distance equal to the length of said end portion, the shingle elements of each course beinglaid with their side edges horizontal and with each successive shingle element overlapping the preceding element to an extent that its straight end edge coincides with said gauge mark, each shingle element as laid being secured with but a single nail, and each course overlapping the next lower course to the extent of the straight portion of said irregular end edge.

12. Roofing of the character described comprising, in combination, a plurality of overlapping courses of shingle elements, each shingle element `having end edges one of which is straight, and parallel side edges extending at right angles to the straight end edge, a gauge -mark at the end opposite said straight end edge spacedv inwardly from a side edge a distance equal to the desired amount of overlap inthe laying of the shingle elements, a gauge mark on each of the side edges lying in aline parallel with said straight, end edge and with the gauge marks spaced from the end edge bearing the first mentioned gauge mark by a distance not less than the spacing of said rst mentioned gauge mark from the adjacent side-edge, the shingle elements of each course being laid with their side edges parallel and coincident and with each sucessive shingle element overlapping the preceding element to an extent that the straight end edge coincides with a line through said gauge marks on the side edges and each course overlapping the next lower course to the extent of the spacing of said rst mentioned gauge mark from the adjacent side edge.

13. Roofing of the character described comprising, in combination, a plurality of overlapping courses of shingle elements, each shingle elementl having a straight end edge, parallel side edges of unequal length, and an irregular end edge including a straight portion parallel with said rst mentioned end edge and adjacent the longer side edge, said straight portion being of a length equal to the desired amount of overlap inthe laying of the shingle elements, a gauge mark on each of the side edges disposed in a line parallel with said straight end edge and,

with the gauge mark on the shorter side edge spaced from the irregular end edge a distance equal to the straight portion of said irregular end edge, the shingle elements of each course being laid with their side edges parallel and coincident, and with each successive shingle element having its irregular end overlapping the straight end of the preceding element to an extent that the gauge marks of the overlapping element coincide with the straight end edge of the lower element, and each course overlapping the next lower course to the extent of the straight portion of said irregular end edge.

14. Roofing of the character described comprising, in combination, a plurality of overlapping courses of shingle elements, each shingle element having end edges one of which is straight, and parallel side edges extending at right angles to said straight end edge. a gauge mark projecting from the end edge opposite said straight end edge and spaced from an adjacent side edge a distance equal to the amount of overlap desired in the laying of the shingle elements, a gauge mark on each side edge lying in a line parallel with said straight end edge and spaced inwardly from the end edge bearing said iirst mentioned gauge mark a distance not less than the spacing of said rst mentioned gauge mark from the adjacent side edge, the shingle elements of each course being laid obliquely and with each successive shingle element disposed to overlap with its side a side of the preceding element, the side edge of the upper element abutting the gauge mark on the end edge of the lower element and the end edge of the upper element coinciding with the line through the gauge marks on the side edges of the lower element, and each course overlapping the next lower course to the extent that the straight end edge of each element coincides with the gauge marks in the side edges and so that the side edges coincide with the respective side edges of the lower element.

VERNON TAfrRo. 

